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So I’ve heard about the glorious chalk paint for a few months now and decided to see what all the hype was about. If you love the shabby look you will l-o-v-e chalk paint. It gives you a nice chalky finish and makes distressing a piece of cake.
One thing I love about chalk paint is it can be used on any surface. AND {bonus} there’s no need for sanding or priming your piece beforehand. Anything that saves me less steps–>I’m there! ;)
I looked up the chalk paint price point and it is about double regular paint. If you’re like me…you try to think of way to do it cheaper. Here’s how to make chalk paint at home.
With a little research and talking with a few friends I came up with this formula. I played around with different measurements and found this mixture to be the best consistency.
How to make chalk paint-
Supplies:
- Paint (I matched ‘white raisin’ by Sherwin Williams at Lowes)
- Plaster of Paris (powder)
- Plastic container
- Water
- Furniture wax
- Paint brush
- Vaseline
- Cloth
- Medium sandpaper (120 works good)
The first thing I did was paint the edges black. I did this because I wanted the distressed areas to show black and not brown. I put the black paint anywhere I wanted to distress.
You can see here how much paint I added.
Then I applied Vaseline over the black paint. This will make the paint easily come off when it’s time to distress.
For the chalk paint I mixed FOUR Tb Plaster of Paris (sry the image says 5) and 2 TB water in one container. Then I added 2 cups of paint in the other container (okay, so I estimated). Once the plaster of paris mixture was a smooth (thick) consistency I mixed it in with the paint. If it’s still thick add another tablespoon of water!
Then I gave my nightstand 2 coats of paint. I let it dry about 2 hours in between each coat. Yes I know it says let it dry for four…but I’m too impatient. ;) Please note: the paint is pretty thick, but it will dry really nice.
The next morning when my paint was completely dry, I lightly sanded the edges (using 120 paper). Since I did the vaseline technique the paint litterally just wiped off in those spots. This is why it’s important to not get too Vaseline happy. Lol! I may have on one side… just sayin’.
The Vaseline technique really did work great. I didn’t have to sit there for an hour and sand my edges. It only took me about five minutes. It also gives the piece a textured look, which I love.
Once I distressed my edges, I protected the piece with a layer of finishing wax. To do this grab an old cloth and wipe a thin coat on the furniture. Let it soak in for about 30 minutes and then wipe it off. You can see my little helpers hands in there too. ;)
That’s it! Are you dying over this yellow paint color?! I’m adding yellow accents to my room and cannot wait to show you how it’s all coming together. Yellow is such a happy color. :)
I seriously love a piece of furniture with curves! I found this night stand at Goodwill for$5. Look at her now! I’m still dying over the yellow paint! It’s the perfect yellow.
To see a few more of my furniture makeovers…
B&W stripe table, Vintage grey desk, Craft desk
So have you tried chalk paint? If not, will you be trying it?
Have a great day! Come back soon! :)
** UPDATE:
To answer a few questions:
1. I used Latex (water based) paint with this recipe. I have not tried oil based paint.
2. Make sure to store the plaster of paris in a ziplock bag… inside. If this bag is left open it wont work as well the next time around. Trust me, I tried!
3. Make sure the plaster of paris and water is SMOOTH before mixing it into the paint. It may take a few minutes to stir out all the clumps. You can add more water if it is too thick.
4. Between coats put a lid on your paint and your brush in a ziplock bag. You don’t want the paint to harden. Stir occasionally to keep the paint a good consistency.
5. Whenever my paint starts to get thick I another TB or two of water and stir.
Check out our project gallery for more DIY projects!
bridget parry
So cute! you are one talented momma! I think what i am the most impressed is how you run this blog. You have such great photos and I love the dedication you have for it. I need advice when ever you feel like giving it. I only have 1 kid and I struggle with doing parties and blogging them. You have 2 kids and do so much!
Ashley @ Dirt Stains & Paint
Thank you SO much for this “recipe” – I’ve been wanting to try my hand at the chalk paint craze, but couldn’t justify the price. This will be perfect! I pinned it so that I can remember the recipe – thanks again!
Hanna Bell
I had no idea about this chalk paint but thanks to the article I’m beginning to learn. I got to do it myself soon.
Kendra
JAMIELYN! OH MY GOSH! Did you see this blog!? Wow, I didn’t expect to see this on this blog! Blahahaha! Ok, so I know that you don’t endorse this but I’m thinking surely you didn’t see it!? “Proenhance” is….umm yeah…they are not enhancing crafts or furniture!
Jessi
I’ve used chalkboard paint for a couple of different things and it’s awesome that you can make your own! I just used non-sanded tile grout instead of plaster of paris and that worked fine too. I used it to paint the lids of some glass canisters in our kitchen, and I also painted a few flowerpots for our indoor herb garden and then used chalkboard paint for the labels. That way I can label the canisters and the pots and change them if we ever use them for anything else, it’s great!
Liz
I’m not sure, since I haven’t used either; but I don’t think “chalk” paint is the same as chalkboard paint…
Jennie Larsen
YOU ROCK, I heard of this technique from Tausha at SNAP. Then we all went to IKEA, and Desi decided to give me this darling clearance shelf for $6.00 bucks, for my craft space. SHE is a sweetie. I totally want to so this chalk paint to it. Thank you for the detailed tut. like i said YOU ROCK! xo, jen
Jennie Larsen
sorry totally want to “do”..
Alison
I LOVE this Jamielyn! I want to try!
Laura at Top This Top That
your piece came out great. typically I buy the chalk paint but will have to try making it myself.
Jamielyn
Thank you so much! You’ll have to let me know if you try it. I’d love to see the difference.
patti
This turned out fabulous. I have tried ASCP and decided I want to try this method, but I have a few questions. I have heard that this method of paint spoils quickly – do you know how long it lasts? Have you tried it without the vaseline method? (I ask because ASCP sands very easily) Does the P of P change the color of the paint at all? Thanks for your help!
Jamielyn
Thanks Patti! I’m not sure about the spoiling. I painted this about 2 weeks ago and the paint still looks good. I would guess that adding a little water and stirring it back up would make it good as new, but I’m not 100% sure how long it lasts. I have tried it without the vaseline and it still sands pretty well. Also, I did notice the P of P made the paint a tiny bit lighter. Not a huge difference though. Hopefully that answers your questions. You’ll have to let me know how it goes. Have a great day!
Kat
how much did you have left over? i’m wanting to paint a table smaller than the one pictured and am wondering if cutting the recipe in half will be plenty?
Jamielyn
Hey Kat! I had about 1/2 cup leftover. I’m sure 1/2 would be good for a smaller stand. xo
Kat
Thanks so much!!
kristen duke photography
i’m lovin this–a lot! I’d heard the vaseline before, I like this method;)
Kourtney
I’m so inspired! I have just the project I want to use this on. Thanks for the great tips!
Rachel
I want to try this! Thank you for this idea. I am going to share it on my facebook page. :)
Holly M
I have only two colors of Annie Sloan paint because of the price, I can’t wait to try this method! Thanks so much!
AJ
Nice job… turned out Beautiful!!! I really want to give this a try but I am so chicken (Big Sigh)! Thanks so much for such a detailed tutorial – It really helps give me confidence to go for it!
AJ@queenofmynest
gertie @ The Old Block House
Lovely! I’ve been wanting to try using Vaseline, but have worried about getting it on my brush. Did you have any problems with it smearing as you painted?
Jamielyn
I was a little worried about that too. However the paint is a lot thicker than normal paint, so it kind of just lays right on top of the Vaseline. It may smear a little, but not enough to ruin the outcome. Hope that helps. :)
Bethany Oliver
Thank you for the great tutorial. I was wondering how well the paint kept? Can you keep it like regular paint in a container with a tight lid? Or does it need to be completely disposed of? Can’t wait to try this techinique!
Kristin C.
I love this! I really need to try to mix up some chalk paint. It really does wonders on a piece!
Ruth James
Love it, going to do it this weekend!
Kelly
Hey Jamie,
thanks for this! I’d seen others make it, but I must have missed the part about adding the water to the plaster of paris FIRST to make it smooth. I’d made some chalk paint and wasn’t sure I liked it. Now I think I will give it another whirl. I’ve got a piece of furniture that’s asking for it. :)
Sara
Great post, thanks for sharing your tips and formula! Question: do you think this would be a good painting technique to use on bathroom cabinets thqt get a lot of use? How durable is it and can it be easily wiped clean? Thanks!
Windy
I’m curious if you plan to write on the table with chalk? Just wondering if you were trying the chalk paint for its texture or if you plan on using it for its chalkboardiness (yea, I make up words, lol). Have you tried writing on it with chalk? How well does it work?
Love the piece chalk paint or not, btw. Thanks for the great tut!
katie
LOVE this post–we are in the process of painting/distressing furniture so every and any tidbits help!~
Connie
LOVE this shade of yellow! Is White Raisin the shade of yellow? I am a “yellow person” anyway and know exactly which piece of inherited furniture will get this treatment! Thanks bunches for sharing!!!
Ashley @ Simply Designing
LOVING this! Pinning it! Thanks for the amazing tutorial!! Can’t wait to try this!
Ashley
http://www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com
Sunday Burquest
I’ve tried a different recipe for chalk paint, but I think I’ll try this one next time. The consistency of yours looks better than mine did. I can’t wait to try the paint and vasoline trick too! Thanks for the great tutorial. Have a FAB weekend!
Stacy
I tried this last night and I LOVE it!! But I didn’t have any vaseline so I used vicks baby rub and even this morning the pieces that I made smell like menthol!! Oh well, at least they look cute. I love your night stand!
Dusanka
Hi ! It is really great tutorial. use a candle instead of vaseline. It go perfect. A lot of nice persons in this blog
Brycie@Reenie Jae Creations
This is so awesome! I am so going to try this! for Months I have been going back and forth on buying chalk paint, now I can make my own! Wahooooooo!
Tonia @ The Gunny Sack
You are brilliant! Thanks so much for this recipe! I have just the project in mind that could use some chalk paint.
Rachel
I want to try this! Thanks for sharing your recipe. I noticed that you used a satin finish for the paint. I was wondering if it would make any difference if you use a semi-gloss or a flat paint. I’m just thinking to use up some paint I already have.
Haley
This is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ali
Great post and gorgeous piece. Just thought I would offer a suggestion instead of the Vaseline. I just use any old candle and draw with it on the areas you want to rub back. It works great and doesn’t smudge. A light wipe over with sandpaper and the paint comes off where the candle wax is. So use sparingly and draw the marks you want to show. Easy and effective. Thanks for the inspiration. Xo Ali
Karen
Just did my first ASCP project yesterday and I am forever hooked on chalk paint.
What I love most is NO PRIMING AND THE QUICK DRY. (ALSO THE SMOOTH FINISH)
Thank you for the recipe. Never explored to see if there was a recipe.
Although the ASCP is quite pricey, I will say that a little goes a long way.
I bought a quart for this large project, but, for a smaller project, the $10 sample size jars would
probably work fine. Thanks for sharing all of your great ideas.
Kristyn
Okay, I LOVE this!! Will definitely give it a try this week when I paint the coffee table I picked up at the swap meet this weekend! Thanks, girl!! Great job! XO
Juleen Kenney
Oh my goodness, I have this exact same table sitting in my garage waiting to be painted! I’m so excited to see how great yours has turned out! Makes me want to get out there and do some painting now! Thanks for your tips!
becky matte
could you please tell me the name of the yellow paint..it is beautiful!
Brooke @ The Crafting Chicks
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I really want to try this ASAP. :)
Emily
So I used your formula and have a very gritty paste. I have now added a lot of water and still have a gritty mess. Any suggestions ?
HannaH Jo
I just bought a metal bed that I wanted to antique, I live in Texas and today used her mixture! What I did was keep painting the entire thing and by the time I was done withe the first coat it was already dry all over. It was also 105 here roday though! … And the bed looks awesome!!! Even my husband was impressed! Wish I could figure out how to post the before and after pictures.
Jamielyn
SO glad you loved the paint mixture! It works great,huh?! I’d love to see a picture. You can e-mail it to me here: [email protected] Have a nice Sunday!
Kara W.
Me too! I followed the directions and when I mixed the plaster and paint together, it immediately hardened. I kept adding water until I had the consistency mentioned, but when I went to paint it on, it was gritty and dry chunks kept flaking from my brush. My paint looked smooth and it wasn’t dry when I put it on the brush…What went wrong?!?!?
Jamielyn
Hi Kara! Hmm… My only guess is that it wasn’t mixed enough before combining with the paint. I make sure there are no grits left before I combine with the paint. If there is some bumps, I will add a little more water and keep stirring. Then I will slowly stir into the paint. I hope that works next time. I really love chalk paint, but it definitely takes a little practice playing around with the mixture. good luck!
Kim
How do I not know about this?! I’m so going to try that and you are almost making want to run to DI right now to find something to test it out on…Thanks for posting your recipe :).
Kim
{Poppy Seed Projects}
Tanya
Wonderful tutorial & I love how pretty your nightstand turned out! Thank you for the great information cannot wait to try it :)
Tanya
Jacqueline
Love it! Will it seriously work on any surface? (As in smooth not-real-wood cabinet doors?)
Lindsay B
WOW! I am so trying this. Great post! :) Thanks.
Taylor-Ann
OMG! Super cute! I love the color too. I would love if you linked it up to my new link party.
http://www.kampenlane.com/p/link-partys.html
~Taylor-Ann
Janna
I just used this technique and color on a large armoir and WOW do I love it. You are right, this really is the PERFECT yellow!!
Leah Sharpe
I swear I commented on this before…Can you actually write on it with chalk?
Rachel
Love the post! This one is by far the most detailed I’ve seen. Trying it this week!
Kim
Jamielyn, this is genius. Thanks for sharing. Definitely pinned this ( http://pinterest.com/pin/12033123974792079/ ) I would love for you to link this up at my party. Hope to see you there.
http://www.thesasselife.com/2012/06/printrunner-giveaway-crafty-sasse.html
Thanks!
Kim
Adrianne
Thank You for posting this. I too have some furniture I have been wanting to paint with chalk paint. I have also wanted to use the AS dark wax for a patina over the paint. I was reading on one website where it told to put the clear wax on first then apply the dark wax and rub it out to the desired effect. If you wanted the wax to be lighter to add a little of the white paint into it first. So that made me wonder if you could color the furniture wax that you used with paint also?…hmmmm!?!
Elayne
I loved your sweet site. Did want to mention that I heard this could also be done by using grout instead of plaster paris. I read it somewhere and did not remember how much of what. Have you ever heard of that method? It would help to make different shades in one step????
Barbara Simmons
Awesome and cannot wait to try it!
Haven
Thank you so much for this tutorial, Jamielyn! I tried this yesterday, and really liked it! Your table is just darling, and I agree, yellow is a happy color!
MIchelle
This looks so easy! And I too, love happy yellow! That’s what drew me to the post – the yellow, versus the technique :) But now that I’ve read this, I’m going to try it!
Monica
Can you use chalk paint to paint over laminate?
Jesse
I totally tried this on my roll top desk. Thank you for a great recipe! It was fantastic. Chalk paint is soo fun. I’m going to send my readers here for the tutorial this Thursday.
Melanie
Hi Jamielyn,
I am wondering what TB stands for, I figured it was table spoon, but when I did the mixture the paint instantly turned extremely thick (like plaster). I tried a few more times, each decreasing the plaster of paris, and still each it turned hard and unpaintable.
I think this is a great idea and would love any advice you could give me to help make this work.
Thank you
Melanie
Jamielyn
Hi Melanie. Yes I used tablespoons. What kind of paint did you use? Some paints are thicker than others and may need a little water.
When mine got a little thick I would add a little more water and stir (about every 10 minutes). Hope that helps. I really love painting with chalk paint.
Melanie
Yes thank you!! Its wonderful!!
Wow you have opened a whole new door in my decorating life:)
Melanie
Rachel Pingel
I just wonder, can any kind of paint be used in the recipe? I generally use acrylic, but I’m wondering if something higher quality might be better? ~Rach~
Megan
Hi there –
Just wanted to stop by and say thank you thank you for the chalk paint recipe! I recently tried it on this: http://megschmitt-neveradullday.blogspot.com/2012/07/one-ginormous-hutch.html
and it worked AWESOMELY!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jamielyn
Yay! So glad you liked it. Your hutch turned out beautiful! Sharing it now. :)
Megan
Thanks for sharing!!
JoAnn Knight
I have been looking for a recipe for chalk paint! I am so excited and I can’t wait to try this! I had surgery a week ago to repair a torn meniscus in my left knee. As soon as I can heal from it I will be giving a dresser a much needed facelift! Thanks so much!
patricia
I have tried the recipe several times now but cannot seem to NOT end up with grainy paint. HELP!!! What am I not doing or doing wrong? I have tried every way I know how to add the water to the powder. How do you mix it? Do you use something special to mix it up with? Would appreciate your help as this is making me crazy and I’m usually quite capable.
Martha
I just finished putting the first coat on a child’s rocker. I also used White raisin by Sherwin Williams. My paint mixture keeps getting thicker and thicker. I added quite a bit more water to paint the bottom section of the rocker (i painted the top section a couple hours ago). Still, by the time I was finished, the mixture was pretty thick again.
Is it supposed to dry in ridges quite a bit? It dries so fast here in OKC these days with over a 100 degrees outside, so I have places looking not so smooth where I went over again before it was completely dry. I guess that can’t be helped with chalk paint. This is my first time trying chalk paint and making it myself. I do like the crackling look the vaseline is making already, before I’ve sanded it off.
Just waiting for this coat to dry now to do another coat. Will probably have to add like 3-4 TB more water to the mixture by then.
Laura
I think I saw on Pinterest where somebody made their own chalk paint. This is GENIUS! I love the idea, however the cost of Annie Sloan paint is through the roof, not to mention there are no “stockists” in Virginia Beach.
Question. Do you find that is chalk paint leaves fewer streaks than a flat latex? Have you used polyurethane instead of the wax on the chalk paint?
I have several pieces to repurpose, however I want to do some fact gathering before I get started.
Thanks,
Laura
Jenny
I have been wanting to try out chalk paint too, but the price!!! Ugh. I will be using this tutorial for a little side table we were given that needs some major TLC. Thanks!
Jamielyn
I’d love to see how it turns out! You can share a pic on facebook when you’re finished. Have fun painting!! XO
Suzanne Doherty
Love your tutorial. to make the paint lift off just as easy and fool proof use a white taper candle to rub on the edges you want to distress. it wont get picked up in your paint brush when you paint over it and it will release the paint just as easily. Just a suggestion.
Melinda McGee
Thank you so much for sharing your explicit instructions for chalk paint and how to distress furniture! Just curious – what kind of black paint did you use in the first step? Thanks again!
Angie Newsom
Great info. You do such beautiful work. By the way…. I LOVE THE YELLOW!!!
Natasha
What type of paint did you use for the black underneath?
Midsommarflicka
OMG! The trick with the vaseline is so so great!
I was always annoyed that it didn’t worked the way I wanted, when I distressed furniture – but this could be the solution! Great!
Thanks for that!
Krygirl
Nice work! I am experimenting with making my own chalk paint… what should the paint consistency be after the plaster of paris is mixed with the paint?
kristie
Thanks so much! It looks lovely….
Sue Reddel
Saw this posted on pinterest. You are brilliant. We’ve been trying to find a few pieces like this color for months for our family room. You now have given us options to make our own. Love it! The fact that you created your own “recipe” is amazing. I’m a fan.
Debbie
Hello! I have a question regarding using chalk paint directly on a wooden chair that has varnish. Can I still paint directly on my piece without primer? I would love to skip that step too!
Thanks for your help!
tere
So excited to try this. Thanks for making clear and simple directions!
Jaimee
Love you for this post!! I was just looking at Annie Sloan’s chalk paint because I keep hearing about how great chalk paint is for furniture!! It’s insane what you can pay for chalk paint! I also found out that Sherwin-Williams has an online tool called Chip-It where you can turn any picture into paint chips and then print out the specks of the chip and go to any store and get it made. I will definitely be doing this!! If you want to check out the Sherwin-Willaims link, it is letschipit.com. There is a little tuturial and then have fun Chipping!!
Jamielyn
Awesome! Thanks for the link… I’ll have to try that! Have a good one!
Jami
This is very helpful. Thank you!
Missy
THANK YOU!! I am going to price out the ingredients, but I think you just saved me about $60!!! Thank you!! Oh, and the table is GORGEOUS! $5?!! Amazing!
Jamielyn
You’re so welcome! The table was a total score! Love it! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Kendra
I do not have plaster of paris–could I use a grout or cement powder instead ?
Jamielyn
You could use un-sanded grout. I have heard of people using that. Just slowly stir it in. You don’t want the paint to get too thick. You may only need 1 TB with that. Good luck!
Michele Morris
Thank you for the chalk paint tutorial. I just made, and used my first batch. I found that when it dried, the surface had a grainy feel to it. Is this the way it should feel, or did I do something wrong?
Can you help me with this. I love the paint, but not the feel.
Thank you, Michele
Jamielyn
Hi Michele, It shouldn’t have a grainy feel… more of a soft flat feel. Almost like a chalkboard. The paint may have needed a little more water. Whenever mine starts to get thick I add a little more water and stir. You could try lightly sanding it (200-300 grit) to take away that grainy feel. It also could be the wood. It’s hard to say with out seeing it. If you apply the wax it should help take away that feel as well. Hope that helps!
Martha
I wanted to use the chalk paint on some chairs but I would like to paint the chairs black. Would this work with Black paint? The chairs are white right now.
I also will need to do parts of the table which are also white but the center of the table is a granite that is black grey and white. What is your thoughts on this?
Currently the chairs and table are pretty worn from use. The original paint has chipped and the finish is getting pretty shabby. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Martha
Jamielyn
Hi Martha! If the paint is chipping I would sand the table until it is smooth. You can do this with black paint. Then I would just make sure to tape off the spots you don’t want to paint and give it two coats. Good luck!
Margaux
Thank you for this! I didn’t want to the expensive price for chalk paint!
Jamielyn
You’re so welcome! :)
Claire
Thanks soooo much for sharing this! I am sooo making this tomorrow! And to think I almost shelled out $50 for this stuff!
Thanks!
Claire
Sandy Brown
I do this all the time. You did a really good job of showing how to do it. Enjoyed your post!
Natasha
I used your tutorial to do my desk! LOVE the way it turned out…you can see it here :)
http://southerngirlsecrets.com/2012/09/14/my-new-ish-desk/
Thanks!!!
Danielle @ 2 Little Superheroes
Great tutorial, I’m just in the middle of using chalk paint for the first time on a little dresser.
Mary M. Langner
I consider myself a professional painter and specialize in children’s furniture. I cannot wait to use this procedure and want to thank you for sharing this information. I also want to add, that as a plumber’s daughter, don’t clean your brushes and let the water drain down the sink. Throw the water out the back door. It should save you problems later with clogged drains!
Teresa
Thanks so much for sharing. We recently bought our first chalk paint, wax and the crackle application and it was pretty expensive. Any ideas to do this for less is a great idea as far as my mother and I are concerned. We love a bargain and this will be just like getting a bargain on our chalk paint every time! Thanks!! :)
margie
WOW……CAN’T BELIEVE HOW GREAT THIS WORKED!! I’M DONE SPENDING $40 A QUART FOR ANNIE SLOAN PAINT. PLUS I LOVE THAT I CAN USE MY FAVORITE BEN MOORE COLORS. PAINTING UP A STORM TODAY THANKS AGAIN
Michele
Thank you so much for the beautiful tutorial! I’m definately going to try this out. I have been wondering why so many people rave about chalk paint…now I hope to find out! ;)
kris seery
This is so cool! Doing This!
Barbara Clarke
thank you so-ooo much! you just save me a lot of money!! chalk painting can be very expensive and now with your recipe I can indulge myself in painting away!!!! You Rock!!!
jean spence
Thanks for the chalk paint tips.
Rachel
A friend introduced me to chalk paint, but I haven’t gotten over the sticker shock enough to try it out. I’m so excited to try your formula and share it with her.
Karin
I tried the DIY version, and very time I sanded, I’d get down to bare wood again in some spots and just couldnt get it as smooth as I wanted, so i never got to the waxing part. My hubby said we need our garage back so…I went and bought the Annie Sloan paint today. Holy Moly, wish I’d have done that from the start! What a difference! It sands, by HAND, so easily! I couldn’t even get my finish that smooth using the power sander with my DIY version. Glad it worked for some of you, but I’ll be buying the real stuff from now on.
Angela
Hi Jamielyn. I love this idea. Especially the easy shabby part. I had all the items except the miniwax. (I see it all the time so I better get some) But, I wanted to try just the plaster of paris, paint & water mixture on a small scale before I committed to a larger scale piece. I am finding that it dries very fast & it is crumbly. What did I do wron? Love the vaseline idea. I’m not sure if it will work on the piece cause it was already black. It wait. Love to hear if you have any suggestions on my mess :( . I will not give up. Thanks so much. Angela
Susan Hedgpeth-Braddy
Question… Love the look and the concept ..I am doing this now…followed all your steps and things were going great until I was on my last section. I stirred the pp paint mixture as I went so as to not let it get too thick and bamm it got so thick like peanutbutter YIKES, added more and more water finally started to thin out but it changed the texture of my paint on my small piece of furniture. Should I add more paint to the PP paint mixture. What went wrong???? Thanks Susan
Susan Hedgpeth-Braddy
found my own answer from Southerngirlsecrets.com Lowes messed me up and gave me paint with primer, which I never ever buy….Primer in the paint southerngirlsecrets.com said she found that out the hard way too…. i will try this again without the primer in the paint…. thanks Lowes…. :-(
Shana
This is beautiful! I’m gonna try it on my buffet. Thanks!
Kim
Thank you! I used your mix and it worked perfectly. This was my first attempt at using any type of chalk paint. And certainly won’t be my last. Thanks! :)
Fran Denninger
Heard about this from a woman shopping at Goodwill! Plan on using it on a dressing table and chair. Thinking about a pale sage green. Can’t wait to try it!
Julie V.
This is the color I need for our bedside tables! My grandmother gave them to me several years ago (there was once even a small rocking chair, but I think we sold it…), and they were a lovely, mid-70s avocado green. Eh. I stripped one of them, and stained it a lovely mahogany, and there it sits today – a coat of stain on it with no poly on top. But, this post just may be the motivation I need to get them both matching! Love your blog!
Nikki
Thank you!
Cherise
I’m so thrilled to find this recipe because I’ve been wanting to try Chalk Paint for forever. So I’m on my first coat which isn’t completely dry yet but because I have zero patience i scratched my nail over a dry spot and the paint came off like butter. So now I’m wondering whether I added enough PP or what? What makes this paint adhere without a primer or sanding? Did I do it wrong?
Theresa A @ junk2jewels-diy.blogspot.com
Great tutorial and the table looks wonderful!! I love it!! Ready to try it myself now!! Thanks for sharing and hope we can follow each other with great inspiration! Hugs & Smiles
Carol Simpson
Hi, I have heard so much about Annie Sloan chalk paints, but they are so expensive! I am so happy to find your recipe!! I have the perfect table waiting in my garage. Can’t wait to try this.
Thanks!
cheryl croteau
Hey you!!!
You do great work!!! Good for you!!! I’ve been buying old furniture from Goodwill and refinishing for about 100 years!! You keep going!! Hey idea–find a “bombay” like chest stripe it vertically with off white and light light teal stencil some beautiful off white star fish on it, glass like knobs!! beeeeeeee-utiful. just came to me now and thought i’d share with you. you seem like a girl with guts and moxie so get ‘em kid!!!!! you are exceptionally talented!!! e-mail me if you need any advise kk? have fun!
cheryl
Paige Ward
What color yellow did you use for the table? It is gorgeous.
Butters mom
Most people dont know that vaseline is an incredible distressing tool. Ive used it for over 25 years. It can be wiped off and doesnt have to be sanded at all. Also the new “CHIPPING CREME” that runs 25.00 is the same as vaseline but vasline costs 1.00 at the dollar store. Save your money girls and lets keep savin each othe money.. Elmers glue same as Crackle.. =)
Connie Oliver
I love, love, love, this. I’m in the process of stripping an old rocking chair, I’m going to try this. Would this work for a dining room table top? Would it hold up to heat and dampness from tea glasses?? I have a friend who wants me to re-do her dining room table and chairs. I’m so glad I found you.
Jerri
I love you! Thank you for sharing this! There is only one place in town (guess I’m lucky anyone in town has it apparently) carries THE chalk paint and I don’t know for sure but I think it’s pretty expensive. I want to paint an $8 tray and don’t want to spend more time and money on it than I have to. At any rate, I am pleased I can make this stuff and begin my new hobby!
Chris
When you give directions on amounts, Tb is tablespoon?
[email protected]
Looks great!! I just finally made some chaulk paint and love it!! Thanks for sharing your tips and projects!! I’m inspired to do MORE!!
Lisa Crawford
Do you put the finishing wax on the whole piece of furniture, or just the parts you sand for the underneath paint to come through??
kelley @ Miss Information
Hi Jamielynn, I am thinking about doing a kitchen table, can you tell me how this has held up?? I am wondering if it can take wear and tear very well
Regina Kjærbæk
Hello,
I like to know how much paint you have used for this piece of furniture??
Have a nice sunday…. ;o)
Regards from Regina
Jamielyn
I used about 2 cups of paint. Hopefully that helps!
brooke
Hello, I had a question. Do you have to use the paint right away, or would I be able to store it once the plaster of paris is mixed into it?
Jamielyn
Hey Brooke! Yes I try to use it right away. If you let it sit too long, it will start to harden.
Angela
Hi, I noticed when I put the furniture wax on my shelf that the paint was coming off . Has anyone tried to apply it with a brush instead . Just wondering if that would work better.
Thanks Angela
Jamielyn
Hmm.. what kind of paint did you use and what kind of surface was it? I haven’t tried with a brush, but it might be too thick.
Angela
Hi , I used sherwin williams latex paint. I did paint over a already shiny painted surface . Should I have sanded it first ?? I thought with the chalk paint you could paint over already painted surfaces. FYI just love your website and crafty ideas!
Thanks Angela
Shana
Hi, and thank you for your post! I can’t find a retailer that sales the chalk paint in my area, so this is just perfect! I do have a question about the waxing process – what is the name of the wax that you use and how do you apply it to your piece? Thanks a bunch!! – Shana
Jamielyn
Hi Shana! I used the Minwax finishing wax. I wiped it on with a cloth and rubbed it in lightly. Hope that helps! :)
barb
i’ve been chalk painting for about a year now…..i’m hooked. i still want to try the unsanded grout in place of pop. i use hot water to help dissolve the pop. never tried the vaseline technique….i just paint ( 2 coats )…then sand the “wear” areas. then i use a stain in the “wear” areas, rubbing it off as i go…i also use the stain in recessed areas & corners, for a more primitive look..finally i work the wax on with a brush. i find less wax is wasted, ’cause you can use the same brush over & over…just wrap it in plastic…& you can actually use chalk paint on upholstered furniture…..yep, it’s true. but that’s a story for another day…happy painting !!!
Angela
Hi Barb, May I ask where did you get a brush to apply your wax??
Feistysorceress
Beautiful! I love that you didn’t over distress, which seems to be popular on etsy right now. I have what may be a silly question: Does the paint have to be flat? I have tons of satin left over I’d like to try on an antique table to match my bedroom, but I don’t want to waste my “touch up” paint if it won’t work. Thanks!
Ange
I used satin, it worked out great!
Nycole
This is great! I have had a dresser that just won’t spray paint very well. No matter how much priming and sanding I do, it just looked so bad! I tried this and loved it. However, do not use the Rustoleum brand paint, even when following the recipe to a T, it turned into a HUGE cement clump! Seriously, I tried it twice and wasted a whole quart! Behr brand works great! I am a spray paint enthusiast turned chalk painter now! Thanks for the tutorial.
Christina
Has anyone ever used chalk paint on panelling on walls? My home was built in the late 70′s and has medium dark panelling in the livingroom. Wanting to change it and thought this might look great and not take very long.
P
Can you use this on tile? I hate my bathroom tile and want a cost efficient change- ideas?
Ange
I just found your blog through pinterest, and I had to make some of this right away! I refinished a simple buffet and it has turned out SO NICE. Thank you thank you thank you for posting this!
Sabrina
I am so excited I found your blog! I have a project that I want to do and I know it will work best with chalk paint and I haven’t done it b/c I don’t want to pay the money for the chalk paint. I’m going to try this out this weekend and see if I can get it to work. I’m so itching to get started! Thanks for sharing this!
Jamielyn
Can’t wait to see how you like it! Have a great weekend! :D
stencilhelen
If anyone is worried about Vaseline on their paint brush do try rubbing the areas to be distressed with a wax candle instead. Apply the paint and then lightly sand as described in the tutorial. I am curious to try the Vaseline method, I have lots of distressed furniture projects going on this week.
Kelly
Did mixing in the Plaster affect your paint color? I would think that it might lighten it… ? Love the table!
Jamielyn
I didn’t notice a difference in color. It may lighten up your color a little bit if you were doing a black though.
Teresa W
I am just about to try this on a laminate tv stand that us in my daughter’s room. For the paint, I got two of the samplers from Home Depot, which should give me almost 2 cups. That made my paint cost only 6.50 or so. Lowes has a lot of Spring color samples right now. Hope this works!
Jamielyn
Awesome! Let me know how it turned out. :)
Oriana
I want to know how you found that awesome table at Goodwill for only $5!! All the Goodwill stores in my area are actually quite expensive. I just left one (about an hour ago) and paid $5 for a tiny glass candy dish!
Jamielyn
Awesome!! $5 is a GREAT deal! Score! :D
Angela @ CreativeBlossoming.com
Good evening! I featured your tutorial in the Pastels edition of my blog series, Get Your Color On! Love the buttery paint you used on this table. I have to try out chalk paint, but will surely reference your blog when I do!
http://creativeblossoming.com/2013/03/27/get-your-color-on-pastels/
Annie
What color paint did you use to get this beautiful yellow color?
Jamielyn
White raisin by Sherwin Williams :)
Shirley
OMG my mother still uses those end tables. I am going to try this, thanks for the info.
tina
Hi,
I am using two colors, off white and a yellow. My question: Should I put 2 coats of the off white and follow with two coats of yellow and then sand for distressed look or is one coat of white followed by two coats of yellow enough?
Jamielyn
Hi Tina! I think two coats of white and then one of yellow would be enough. I would try that out and let it dry and then add another coat of yellow if you wanted it darker. Good luck!
Michelle
Hi, I am wondering what the consistency of the paint is after you added the plaster of paris? I used your formula, but I’m using a cheap exterior flat paint and my paint is still thin and isn’t covering what I’m painting like I think it should. I’ve added more plaster of paris and its still nothing getting thicker. Thinking of starting over!
Jamielyn
It is more of a thick pasty paint. Almost like Elmers glue. You don’t want it to get too thick, or else it will harden… but it definitely is thicker than normal paint.
Debbie Adams
Hi, I love your chalk paint formula! My only question is I am a little OCD, lol so I measure everything. The paint came out as you said but was a little harder to distress more so than the Annie Sloan I have used. Do I need to maybe add a little more water or would adding more plaster of paris make it a little more “chalkier”? Thanks so much for sharing this saving me a fortune! :-) ~Happy Junkin~
Jamielyn
Hi Debbie! Depending on how thick your paint is I may add a little more plaster of paris. You can also try sandable grout. Happy DIY’ing!
Krista @thehappyhousie
I LOVE how that turned out. Just did a little side table with yellow chalk paint the other day – my DIY recipe is slightly different, I may have to give yours a try next time. Love the tip about the under paint colour and vaseline. Thanks,
Krista
Linda
What color yellow did you use?? Love the shade.
Jamielyn
Hi Linda! I used white raisin by Sherwin Williams :)
Mary
Well, not sure what I did wrong but the p of p made my paint the consistency of gritty play dough! I followed the recipe measurements and the more I stirred the thicker it got. I added water and added water and still ended up with a gritty too thick mess. Help! What went wrong?
Jamielyn
Oh no! So sorry to hear that! That happened to me once when I did not store the plaster of paris in a zip lock bag inside. :( It’s best to use a new bag. Hope that helps!